Mumbai, Dec 14 (IANS) The news of Hrithik Roshan's split with wife Sussanne after a relationship of 17 years didn't go down well with the actor's fans. To some, the end of their "fairytale romance" was a disappointment, while several hoped that they would reconcile for their children's sake.

Several people took to social networking sites to share their sentiments following Hrithik's announcement that Sussanne had decided to call off their 13-year-old marriage. The two had dated for four years before tying the knot.

"The news is really bad. You guys were the ultimate couple. I am really upset, I really wish that you guys get back together soon," a certain Sanya Grover posted on Hrithik's Facebook page.

"Don't want to know the reason, but I am deeply dishearted. Leave the past and get back with bang," posted one fan, with a Mauritius-based Sunnee Hauradhur adding: "Absolutely heartbreaking to see Hrithik Roshan separates with his wife. Sad to see them throw away 17 years."

For many young girls, the news came as a rude shock and a jolt to their teenage memories of the couple's union on Dec 20, 2000.

Back then, Hrithik had emerged fresh from the stardom of his debut film "Kaho Naa...Pyaar Hai", and even before young female fans got a chance to drool over his machismo and dance skills, he had announced his wedding with Sussanne, with whom he had fallen in love at first sight at a traffic signal in 1996.

Together, the couple has two sons - Hrehaan, seven and Hridhaan, five.

Now the star, son of actor-filmmaker Rakesh Roshan, is fresh from the success of his superhero film "Krrish 3".

A joke doing the rounds following the news of Hrithik-Sussanne's split is - "Moral: Even a superhero like Krrish cannot handle a wife."

On a serious note, Hrithik, a day after he officially announced the separation, took to Facebook to share an emotional update.

"Sussanne is and always will be the love of my life for the rest of my life. If her smiles are brighter without me, my love for her must accomplish that. Unconditional," posted the 39-year-old, who believes this news must not "disempower my fans and the people about the institution of marriage in any way".

They have both requested the media for privacy in their "trying times".

Rumours of their split were rife since the past few months, with reports indicating that Sussanne had been living in a separate house.

Confirming her decision of parting ways from the nation's hearthrob, Sussanne, daughter of veteran actor Sanjay Khan, said in a statement Saturday: "We are two individuals who respect and care for each other and have made our own individual choices."

The separation won't change their love for their children, said Sussanne, who is an interior designer by profession.

"We are parents to two wonderful kids and our responsibility remains to protect and take care of them. Nothing can change that," she said.

Family will always stick together through thick and thin and I will always love you both Hrithik and Sussanne," Farah posted on micro-blogging platform Twitter.

Hrithik is currently at an undisclosed location abroad for medical treatment. He has been suffering bouts of headache. In July this year, he had undergone brain surgery for removal of a clot at the Hinduja Hospital in Mumbai.